Plastic nurdles wash ashore at Brancaster Beach in Norfolk following North Sea tanker disaster

Plastic has washed ashore at another beach in our area following the North Sea tanker disaster last week.

The National Trust has confirmed that plastic nurdles have been found on Brancaster Beach in the aftermath of the incident.

This follows dog owners being advised to keep their pets on leads while walking on the beaches at Old Hunstanton and Holme while HM Coastguard officers carry out a clean-up of the same objects.

Nurdles are small pellets of plastic resin used in plastics production, sized between 1-5mm and weighing less than a gram. They are not toxic, but they can present a risk to wildlife if ingested.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said: "We can confirm that plastic nurdles have begun to wash ashore on Brancaster Beach and elsewhere along the Norfolk coast, following the North Sea tanker collision last week.

“So far, we have not seen any visible signs at Blakeney Point Nature Reserve and will next be assessing the inter-tidal saltmarshes at Stiffkey.

"This is a developing situation and we are currently liaising with authorities to understand the response needed to remove loose nurdles and these charred lumps of plastic resin.

"Any pollution incident can have a devastating impact on wildlife and this is a vital time for many migratory birds as they return to our shores for the breeding season such as terns, as well as marine life including seals and fish.

"Members of the public are advised not to touch or collect this debris, this is to be left to the appropriate authorities, and to keep dogs on leads in the area.

“If you come across any nurdles or possible pollution along the Norfolk coast, the guidance is to call Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on 0344 382 0580 or email zone8@hmcg.gov.uk.

“If possible, please provide a 'What Three Words' location or a grid reference to assist HM Coastguard to identify the exact location. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

The MV Solong and the US-chartered Stena Immaculate collided in the sea at Humberside last Monday morning, with “vile” smells reaching our area and concerns raised for the impact on wildlife in The Wash.